Living Like On the Banks of Plum Creek ~ Giving

I love how I get all these plans and ideas for these articles I want to write, and then all of the sudden something comes along that is so much better. And when I was reading through On the Banks of Plum Creek this afternoon(after I found it in my moving things around mess!) I read through the chapter called “Surprise” and I thought, well, that’s what I need to write about today. 🙂

“Everyone stood up to sing and Laura stood up, but she could not sign. Not a sound would come out of her throat. In the whole world, there couldn’t be a store so wonderful to look at as that tree. After the singing, Mr. Tower and Mr. Beadle began taking things off it, and reading out names. Mrs. Tower and Mrs. Beadle brought those things down past the benches, and gave them to the person whose name was on them. Everything on that tree was a Christmas present for somebody!

Mrs. Tower stood smiling, holding out the little fur cape and muff. “For me?” Laura said. “For me?” Then every thing else vanished while with both arms she hugged the soft furs to her. She hugged them tighter and tighter, trying to believe they were really hers, that silky-soft little brown cape and the muff.

“What do you say, Laura?” Ma asked, but the Reverend Alden said, “There is no need. The way her eyes are shining is enough.” ~ On the Banks of Plum Creek p.255, 256

I loved re-reading this chapter. This tree that they got gifts from, they didn’t expect it. It was from many different people. And the gifts they got were things they needed or could use. Nothing big, just small things that made a difference in their lives.

Like I’ve said before, we as coupon shoppers. We have a big wide open opportunity for us. Not everyone has the ability to collect or print coupons or take time to make a grocery list and find the best deals. And we may not be rich by any means but we still get this incredible opportunity to be able to share and bless someone else’s life with this shopping talent that we have! You think of using your gifts or your talents when you paint a pretty picture for people to look at, or you bake a fantastic loaf of bread for your neighbors. But couponing, that’s a talent too! It takes work and persistence to shop sales and get deals like we do. And the best part is, we can share our gift with others. Maybe we can’t teach everyone how to shop the way we do but…

Every week there is bound to be something free. At a grocery store, at a discount store, somewhere, anywhere! I’m guessing many of those free things are things that we won’t use. But we have the talent and the opportunity to get those items for free. Then what can we do with them? Give them back to the community.

And that’s not saying that you have to give them to a certain charity or a certain food bank. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor that can use it. Maybe a family member is in need. I can’t tell you how much my family and friends love to “shop” through my stockpile! I know I can’t use everything in it, but someone can. And that’s why I get those freebies each week. To share my gift, my talent, with those around me.

So that’s the though I want to leave you with this week. If you are a regular reader you know that we are currently getting ready for Couponing to Community, a great opportunity, and an easy way to give back. And if you plan on joining in with me and everyone else that will be participating with Couponing for Community, don’t forget to read my challenge post also.